First off...this thread is a great idea. Didnt want to bump the actual TD Garden Towers thread, but I had a question. Im still unclear whether or not the existing renders are just massing projections or if they represent the actual buildings to be built. Love the tall Tower on the left (when viewed from the south) but it would be a real shame if that boring glass box on the right ia what welcomes drivers to Boston as they cross the Zakim. Someone please tell me that one at least is just a place holder!

Not to go off topic in this thread... but isn't a question like the above perfectly appropriate for the actual TD Garden Towers thread? It's not buried. It's got lots of conversation going on. I don't think people shouldn't feel afraid to ask questions about projects in the thread created for that project. Isn't the idea of this thread that it's meant to be a safety valve for very low-information general questions like "What's going on with James Hook?"

If you have a nice detailed question about a project that could cause discussion, I think you should absolutely ask it in the project's thread.

The projects around Braintree st. and Penimun. Both lots are empty with no equipment.

As for Penniman Road, I can tell you on July 7, there was a Stop Work posted by the site saying "All Permits! Pending Violations in Court!" for 18-32 Penniman Road.

As that set of addresses has both standing and demolished buildings, I have no idea what it actually is referring to, but I assume someone tried to do some work there without permits, got caught, so now they hopefully will go get permits?

Simon Property Group this month will start its renovation of the retail portion of Copley Place, the high-end retail center in Boston's Back Bay.
The renovations will include physical upgrades such as new flooring and ceiling treatments, upgraded escalators and glass handrails and an upscale food court component.

"Simon continues to reinvest in our properties, and the renovation of Copley Place is another strong example of that," said David Contis, president of Simon Malls, in a prepared statement. "We are confident that this transformation will enhance the shopping experience for our guests and further strengthen our position as the high-end shopping destination in the heart of Boston."

Simon (NYSE: SPG) will also add a number of high-end retailers to Copley Place, including CH Carolina Herrera, Moncler and Versace. Existing locations for Tory Burch and L.K. Bennet will be expanded, while the existing Banana Republic and Eileen Fisher stores will be relocated within the center.

The retail renovations are expected to wrap up next summer.

The interior retail work is a part of Simon's $500 million, 1.96 million-square-foot expansion of Copley Place, which includes a new 52-story, 542-unit residential tower that's currently under construction. The Boston Redevelopment Authority in May approved an updated affordable housing agreement for the project, as well as a redrawn boundary agreement that now prevents facades from encroaching outside the project site [emphasis added].

Did the project at 25 Morrissey Blvd ever get going? I think this was the lot next to the Star Market? Synergy sold the project's rights to Criterion or whatever their name is and they said they'd start construction last fall. Thanks.

What's happening with the supposed Ruggles to Fens bike route (Forsythe Street?) that was to connect the Southwest Corridor Path to the Emerald Necklace Path?

Forsythe Street has bike lanes most of the way from Ruggles to the Fens. Was there another project you were thinking of?

There was a proposal and a meeting to put in a contraflow lane on Hemenway so that cyclists could use Hemenway and Parker Street as a shorter and quieter diagonal route compared to taking Mass Ave to Columbus. I think it died with Menino.

Forsythe Street has bike lanes most of the way from Ruggles to the Fens. Was there another project you were thinking of?

There was a proposal and a meeting to put in a contraflow lane on Hemenway so that cyclists could use Hemenway and Parker Street as a shorter and quieter diagonal route compared to taking Mass Ave to Columbus. I think it died with Menino.

What's happening with 300 Harrison ave? Is it stalled? I would've thought there'd be a sizable crane over there by now

Are you asking about 345 Harrison -- across from the Ink Block?

The project changed owners (perhaps new investors) during the past year which may have slowed things down, but it looks like activity is starting. There was green construction fencing around the site as of last weekend.